Bala Ibn Na’Allah, the former senator for Kebbi South, has revealed a striking truth: contrary to popular belief, many National Assembly members find themselves financially worse off after their time in office.
Na’Allah, who once served as the Deputy Majority Leader in the 8th Senate, shared this insight during an interview on Trust Television’s 30 Minutes program. He explained that many lawmakers enter politics hoping to build wealth but are left disappointed, with some even emerging from their tenure financially drained.
“Some of them ventured into the National Assembly believing that it is a place to make money, only to discover that they are going to end up poorer,” Na’Allah remarked.
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He called attention to the misconception that holding a public office guarantees financial security, challenging this widely held view. He tasked the host with a revealing assignment:
“Mannir, I am giving you this assignment,” Na’Allah said. “Go back to your constituency or any area where you know public office holders, especially those in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Find me one senator or one member of the House of Representatives who had nothing before joining politics and, after a year in office, can even afford their children’s school fees.”
In a twist of irony, Na’Allah lost his re-election bid to the Senate in 2023. He was defeated by Garba Maidoki, who secured 75,232 votes, while Na’Allah garnered 70,785.